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During a revealing interview, Miranda Otto delves on topics ranging from her latest role as Queen of the Cuttlefish to the profound lessons learned through theatrical mistakes and fan interactions.

If You Could Be a Fish for a Day

Your latest character portrays the monarch of the cuttlefish in The Pout-Pout Fish; if you could be a fish for a day, which one would you choose and why?

Straight away, the blue groper found at a specific shoreline – because it’s a local landmark, and individuals visit specifically to spot it. I just think as remarkable that a resident aquatic creature that people actually seek out and talk about – it holds a unique status.

A Film Favorite to Return To

What film do you repeatedly watch, and why?

Ernst Lubitsch's 1942 film To Be Or Not To Be. I adore this picture. During my childhood, it used to come on television every now and again, and one time I videotaped it. I just thought it was hilarious. It’s the legendary Carole Lombard and comedian Jack Benny. Not long ago they were showing it at a cinema and it turned out that it was also the favourite film of an acquaintance, and so we went and simply chuckled repeatedly. It’s such masterful work of comedy and the entire cast in it are superb. The director Mel Brooks remade it in the 1980s – which was not as effective. But Lubitsch's version is a brilliant comedy, to be watched regularly.

A Priceless Lesson Gained Through a Co-Star

What is the most valuable lesson you learned from someone a colleague?

Years ago I performed in A Doll’s House alongside Peter O’Brien – my husband now, but back then we were not together. We were playing opposite each other and on opening night I tripped up – I jumped ahead some dialogue in the script. I was unaware what I’d done but I suddenly realised things were off. I recall glancing toward him, and he completely saved me, and then the scene took off again and went really, really well. But I think what I learned then was, first, always trust the individuals in your scene. If you don’t know where you are, by looking and look at the actors you’re with, you will find your correct position in some way. It is a profoundly communal thing, acting on stage. And secondly, to maintain a sense of fun regarding it. Sometimes when something goes wrong, things actually spark off in a wonderfully positive way if you’re really present then. It can be an unexpected boon when things go completely awry.

Memorable Exchanges with Fans

What’s been your most memorable interaction with a fan?

It’s not a single specific meeting but when I encounter devotees of Lord of the Rings, especially female fans, I am told numerous accounts about what Eowyn meant to them when they were growing up … events that occurred in their lives and how much Eowyn meant to them and was a form of support to them during those periods.

What do you get asked most frequently by Lord of the Rings fans?

The most specific inquiry concerns invariably regarding the stew that Eowyn serves Aragorn. “Was the stew as terrible as it looked?” It has evolved into a running gag, the entire episode about the stew, and everyone wants to know what was in the pot, and how was it made, and do you think her skills improved now, or do you think she really is a poor chef? Fans seem, I think, fascinated by the humour of that situation. And I provide great detail listing the components that made up the concoction – as I recall what they did; such as adding pieces of colored thread to make it look like blood vessels in the meat. They went to extreme measures to make it look as unappetizing as they could.

An Awkward Celebrity Encounter

What’s been your most cringeworthy run-in with a famous person?

I was at a fitness session and there was a woman on a mat exercising, and the instructor said to me, “Oh, Miranda, this is Miranda.” And I made a lighthearted remark inquiring, “oh, are you a journalist?” Because it’s an uncommon moniker and most of the time when someone’s a Miranda, they’re a journalist. I wasn’t really identified her. And when she got up, it was Miranda Richardson. At that point, I didn’t know what to say. I still had to stay and do my class, and I experienced so embarrassed. I wanted to say: “Goodness, I am aware of your work!” I consider her talent is immense and I was simply too awestruck to say anything.

The Origin of a Moniker

It’s been repeatedly stated that you were given your name from Prospero’s daughter in Shakespeare’s The Tempest, and yet I’ve read you saying otherwise – can you clarify this definitively?

Indeed, I was christened for a district in Sydney. My mother heard on the radio that they were inaugurating a mall at Miranda, and the name seemed a pleasant choice.

Pandemonium on Location

What was the chaotic thing that’s ever happened on set?

When I was working in Brazil on Reaching for the Moon that was the most chaotic set I’ve ever worked on, and yet the final product turned out incredibly well. But they just work in such a different way. The sense of time there is unique. Typically, you normally have a call sheet and you have to be on set by a certain time. But this was sort of open ended – one would appear whenever you happen to be ready. It was a novel approach for me. The elements were being assembled at the very last minute, and sometimes the plan was unclear where they were shooting or the methodology. And then you’d be in during a scene and wondering, “What caused that sound that disturbed the scene? Oh, it’s a crew member popping open some champagne on set, to start a party.” The result was excellent, but wow, it’s a distinct approach to film-making.

A Hidden Skill

Do you have a secretly good at?

I’ve always been good with numbers. I memorise numbers easier than I learn dialogue a lot of the time, I simply have a numerically-oriented mind. So I think had I not pursued acting, I probably would have entered a field something to do with numbers, like math or finance.

The Finest Guidance Given

What is the greatest piece of advice you have ever received?

During my time in high school, a speaker came to speak as we were graduating and stated, “have no fear to fail” … which I think is the best piece of advice, since one gains far more from setbacks than you learn from success. With success, you never really comprehends precisely why it happened. Failure, you learn so much more.